Ridgefield students end the year with online art show

Creative assignments lead to some pretty amazing work, and Ridgefield art teachers decided to end the year with online art show

RIDGEFIELD — As Ridgefield schools transitioned to online learning, there were many questions about how classes would change. Art teachers had to think outside the box to teach students who might not have access to standard art supplies at home. But the creative assignments led to some pretty amazing work, and Ridgefield art teachers decided to end the year with an online art show.

One of many art creations that can be viewed in an online art show compiled by Ridgefield School District featuring artwork that students created at home via virtual learning. This piece was done by Justin, a kindergartner at Union Ridge Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Ridgefield Public Schools

View Ridge Middle School art teacher Michelle Hankins explained how online art class went when it started.

“In my classroom, students keep a sketchbook, pencils, and an eraser in a cubby,’’ Hankins said. “With the short notice, many students were not able to grab these basic classroom supplies. But within the first week of online school students were posting drawings on lined paper and copy paper and trying art supplies they found around the house.”

This piece of art was done by Natalie, a fourth grader at South Ridge Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Ridgefield Public Schools

Even in challenging circumstances, the students came up with a wide range of interesting creative projects.

“Students have illustrated words, designed shoes, created sculptures from items in their homes, created land art, and created projects to represent their view on the environment,” Hankins said.

This artwork was created by Amanda, an eighth grader at View Ridge Middle School. Photo courtesy of Ridgefield Public Schools

The online art show came about because students were already using Seesaw, a secure website and app designed for remote learning and online connection, to share photos and videos of their artwork with their class and each other. Art teachers at all of the Ridgefield schools decided to host an online art show to celebrate the students’ achievements. “

We wanted to highlight the wonderful creativity of the students,” Hankins said. “While students are at home without supplies and teacher support, we have all still found ways to be creative.”

Adara, an eighth grader at View Ridge Middle School, created this piece of art. Photo courtesy of Ridgefield Public Schools

The online art show videos (divided into grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12) can be viewed on the Ridgefield School District website under Youth Arts Month at http://spudderactivities.weebly.com/youth-arts-month.html

Congratulations to Ridgefield students and teachers for continuing to demonstrate the concept of Ridgefield Resilient, always finding new ways to achieve.

This piece of art was done by Alina, a junior at Ridgefield High School. Photo courtesy of Ridgefield Public Schools

Information provided by Ridgefield Public Schools.